By Iyabo Adebisi
Oyo state government has frowned at illegal mining activities in some parts of the state, warning that the perpetrators of the act would be decisively dealt with.
The Executive Assistant to the governor on Security Matters, CP Sunday Odukoya Retired, stated this while speaking with journalists at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan shortly after a meeting of the community leaders in Kishi, Irepo local government with the Deputy Governor, Adebayo Lawal following illegal miners operation at Sooro Market over the weekend.
The Deputy Governor, Adebayo Lawal had during the weekend led clearance operation against illegal miners at Sooro market in Irepo local government
During the raid of the illegal lithium mining market, the Deputy Governor ordered the immediate evacuation of all illegal structures and shanties built across the market, the precious stones, as well as the closure of the Sooro Community market.
Mr Odukoya spoke of the need for stakeholders to stand up to their responsibilities to secure natural resources and maintain peace in their respective areas.
While noting that the Iba of Kishi, Oba Masoud Lawal has assured government to rid the area of hoodlums, Mr Odukoya maintained that the Sooro market where the incident happened remained closed until further notice.
Also speaking, the DG operation Burst, Colonel Oladipo Ajibola Retired, who explained that the illegal minners during the weekend had conveyed the natural resources products in about 8 vehicles said it took the efforts of combined security agencies and community leaders to stop them.
Retired Colonel Oladipo noted that security operatives had arrested 32 culprits in connection with the illegal mining including two Chinese nationals.
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